The solar eclipse that will take place in the early afternoon of Monday, August 21 promises to be a thrilling show for residents of this part of the country. Those who choose to observe the eclipse should be mindful not to look directly at the sun without protective eye wear specifically designed for eclipse viewing. Regular sunglasses will not provide proper protection.
To aid in safe viewing, Illinois State University will make safety-rated solar eclipse glasses available free of charge to students, faculty, and staff beginning at 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 21. The glasses will be distributed – while supplies last – at locations across campus.
The eclipse glasses will be available for students at the front desks of all University residence halls and Cardinal Court apartments. Members of the campus community can pick them up at the Student Fitness Center, Milner Plaza, Watterson Plaza, near the Redbird Remembrance memorial, and at various locations around the University Quad. They will also be available for students at Thomas Metcalf School and University High School. A map of distribution locations can be found online.
While the eclipse will be total in the southern part of Illinois, the sun will be 93 percent covered at the height of the eclipse over the Illinois State University campus. More information about the timing of the Monday, August 21 eclipse, along with information about how to safely view it, can be found online.
